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Delphan_Galvan t1_itq9jbj wrote

There's a technique called "Thermal Depolymerization" that can turn plastic (and organic waste) back into a crude oil which can then be processed into fuel oil or new plastics. But as soon as people hear that it makes oil you'll hear some autistic shrieking from some activist and the idea - at least for recycling, gets shelved. It may not be the best solution, but it at least takes care of part of the problem.

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modsarefascists42 t1_itqo7e3 wrote

?? Why would anyone care about it being turned back into oil?

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Delphan_Galvan t1_itquoys wrote

The simplest reason is that it doesn't necessarily lead to cutting back on plastic production and could even be used as an excuse to boost production of petroleum based plastics instead of plant based plastics.

Secondary is that with the glut of information and social media easily available to the public, there are legions of "experts" on topics where their only qualification is they read an opinion piece on a Facebook post. The heavy criticism of nuclear energy while ignoring "where do they get the rare metals?" for renewables is a good example. There is no quick fix to the problems currently facing humanity and sadly there will be those who cannot recognize the intermediate steps we must take to ween ourselves off our destructive habits.

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